Dog owners in Basingstoke have been urged to be extra vigilant when walking their dogs in grassed areas this summer due to the possibility of snakes hiding there.

The RSPCA has sent out this warning due to hundreds of snake sightings having been spotted this year in the UK, which have seen some dogs bitten.

Map reveals snake sightings around Basingstoke area

A map of the UK has revealed where snakes have been spotted during 2023, with there being three cases in Basingstoke.

One was of a grass snake near Mapledurwell and another in Kempshott. An adder was also spotted in Stratfield Turgis.

Recently in the UK, there have been serious incidents related to snake bites, such as one in Cumbria where a four-year-old Sprocker Spaniel get bitten by an adder.

It was left needing European Viper Anti-Venom, K-laser therapy, fluid therapy and pain relief.

Additionally, the RSPCA has also sent a message to snake owners to make sure they don't escape out into the wild.

RSPCA senior scientific officer Evie Button said: "The RSPCA urges all pet snake owners to be extra vigilant at this time of year, invest in an enclosure suitable for the particular species and make sure that enclosure is kept secure - and locked if necessary - when unattended."

Whilst the UK only has one type of venomous snake, in the adder, being extra vigilant is important.

If you believe your dog may have been bitten by an adder, experts advise you to speak to a vet immediately.